1St Class Chicken Casserole
A creamy chicken casserole with almonds and mushrooms, topped with bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering comforting flavors and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, slivered almonds, lemon juice, melted margarine, chopped celery, diced small onion, mushroom soup, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Melt margarine in a skillet and add bread crumbs; stir to combine.
- Pour the bread crumbs mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you're looking to lighten it up, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain yogurt. You can also add in some frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition. Be sure to chop the celery and onion finely so they blend well into the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm as a hearty main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider offering some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also makes for a great potluck option, complementing other American recipes like Vickie'S Chicken And Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1St Class Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1684 calories, with 37g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2035mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
While it's possible to use raw chicken, it requires a longer baking time. Precook the chicken for the best results, as this ensures it's fully cooked and safe to eat. Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the mushroom soup used is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat products.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).